The Games

1) 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders duel is a great, competitive game featuring card drafting and set collection mechanics. It maintains the same feel from the original 7 Wonders, while adapting the rules and gameplay wonderfully for an experience designed for only 2 players.

2) Caverna: Cave vs Cave

Caverna: Cave vs Cave is another game designed for only 2 players that is based on a previous hit (in this case, Caverna.) It features solid worker placement mechanics with a twist and is the heaviest game on the list, with a 2.57 weight.

3) Star Realms

While not specifically designed for only 2 players (adding a second game can play up to 4 players,) Star Realms really shines during head-to-head battles. It is a classic deck-building game that has been copied by many, but has really stood the test of time.

4) Patchwork

Patchwork is the lightest game on the list, coming in with a 1.69 weight. This makes it a great intro or gateway board game. It is designed for only 2 players and is nicely competitive, without any true “feel bad” moments.

5) Carcassonne

Carcassonne can play up to 5 players, but it really shines for 2. It provides a pretty relaxed experience and is competitive without any real meanness. The simple tile-laying mechanics make for another great intro or gateway board game.

Honorable Mentions

Although they didn’t make the cut for the Top 5 list, these are some more great board games for 2 players!